Top 10 Ways to Not Get a Job

If you’re looking for a new job, then be sure to read our quick tips on how not to get a job to ensure that you don’t make these mistakes. After all, you want to get hired right?

1. Don’t use multiple job portals

If you believe that you don’t need to use multiple Job Portals then you are wrong. Many recruitment agencies and employers are actively making use of multiple job portals in order to advertise their vacancies or search for CV’s. And not all companies use all Job Portals. You need to be sure that you are listed on most of them if you are actively in the job market. When searching for jobs on job boards and apply to them online, if the advert is placed online and does not give specific contact details on the job description then apply via the portal. Do not go directly to the company unless they have instructed you to do so in the advertisement, otherwise you will tick them off right from the start. If they have chose a particular process to follow, then respect.

2. Hide your CV on databases

If you are not actively looking for a job at the moment, then by all means set your CV status to hidden on Job Boards. But if you are keeping your options open and would be prepared to entertain alternative opportunities, then set your CV to visible (searchable) so that agencies can find you. There’s nothing like a great ego boost when a head-hunter calls you to invite you to consider a position that they are recruiting for. But if you are actively looking for a new position then this is a must. If you cannot be searched, you will not be found.

3. Don’t use job alerts

If you are happy to pass up on your dream job, then sure, don’t use Job Alerts. But if you want to find the perfect job for you fast then make use of the job alert notifications (job search agents) that job boards provide in order to be notified of jobs that suit your skills fast. If registered on Jobs.co.za, you get the benefit of an additional feature called the ‘Job to profile Matchmaker’. The system automatically matches your skills to all active jobs and gives you a list in your ‘Job Matches’ folder.

4. Don’t network

Don’t only actively network when you are actively looking for a job. You should always be networking, when on the job market or not. Make use of social or professional networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook in order to connect with influential individuals within your industry. But don’t limit yourself specifically to your industry only. Expand your network and if you’re actively on the market, let people know that you are open to discussing career opportunities with them.

5. Use a generic CV for all job applications

If you want your CV to get chucked out fast then send recruiters a generic CV! Whenever you are applying to any vacancy, read through the requirements carefully. If you match the skills that they are looking for, then make sure that you highlight this in your CV and in your cover note. Your CV should be tailored to every job that you apply to. Don’t bother writing up your Career Objective; hiring managers are not necessarily bothered with reading this. What they should be seeing is how your experience fits in with their requirements. If the position requires for managerial experience, give a specific example of how you have previously managed people.

6. Apply for Jobs that you are not qualified for

Don’t ever apply to jobs that you do not have the skills for. If you have to inflate your experience (or even lie) in order to match the description of the job advertisement, then you shouldn’t be applying to it. The recruitment industry is small and recruiters talk amongst one another. If you have lied to boost your title or responsibilities, then the truth will eventually come out.

7. Be vague in your responses

If you are not confident in your ability to perform in the role that you are applying to, then rather don’t apply as opposed to giving vague answers in the hope that the interviewer won’t figure out that you actually don’t understand the question. Recruiters want to know specific details pertaining to the skills that you have and how your experience can help them to address the challenges that they have. Be very specific in your answers and wherever possible give examples.

8. Don’t prepare for the job interview

Always do your research before going for a job interview. There is nothing worse for a company than when they ask you what you know about their company, that you respond saying that you know absolutely nothing about them. Never pitch up at the interview without having done your homework on who the company is. Try to prepare at least one or two interesting points of discussion (e.g. comment on a recent press release, business deal or marketing campaign that you have seen). Don’t insult the company though by telling them how you don’t agree with either a campaign or strategy. If they ask for suggestions, then give it in a professional subtle and insightfully intelligent manner.

9. Tell the recruiter that you are perfect for job

Even if you are perfect for the job, never directly tell the recruiter or interviewer that during an interview. Rather describe your strengths and experience by giving examples of how your skills match their requirements and then let the recruiter make up their own mind about you. You can be confident without being arrogant or pushy.

10. Bad-mouth your current or former employers

Even if your former employer was the devil himself, you should never badmouth him. Potential employers always become suspicious about anyone who tales about their former employers. If an interviewer probes you for dirt on your previous employer, resist the temptation. Rather be tactful in your response and instead of telling the interviewer why you despise your current or former employer, turn the conversation around to explain what you felt you were not getting from your previous employers and what you would be looking for in terms of your future employment.

Job Seekers can register and upload their CV online quickly (or with their LinkedIn profile) to start applying for jobs. You can search and apply for jobs online, create job alert notifications, see who’s hiring and get useful career advice.

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"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved. Silver is purified in fire and so are we. It is in the most trying times that our real character is shaped and revealed..." - Helen Keller

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it...Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it..." - Goethe

"Press On. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent." - Calvin Coolidge

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